Big Boost to Industry as over 200 MSMEs supported

Indian Navy continued its staunch march towards Atmanirbharta with the commissioning of two state of the art warships at Naval base, Visakhapatnam.

India’s Defence minister Mr Rajnath Singh today unveiled Project 17A multi-mission stealth frigates Udaygiri and Himgiri at Visakhapatnam.

This is the first occasion when two frontline surface combatants i.e. advanced frontline frigates – Udaygiri (F35) and Himgiri (F34) constructed at two different shipyards, were commissioned simultaneously, underscoring the growing maritime importance of India’s eastern seaboard.

This event also underscores India’s accelerating naval modernisation and its ability to deliver sophisticated warships from multiple shipyards.

Udaygiri and Himgiri are follow on ships of the Project 17 (Shivalik) class frigates.

In his address, Raksha Mantri exuded confidence that these warships will not only strengthen the security system and safeguard maritime interests, but will also assist in Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief missions.

He stated that the commissioning bolsters India’s policy of Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security & Growth for All in the Region).

“These frigates, which will enhance the capability of the Indian Navy, send a message that India is fully capable of protecting its maritime borders and is ready to respond immediately to any situation,” said the defence minister.

Both these vessels incorporate significant improvements in design, stealth, weapon and sensor systems and are capable of executing a full spectrum of maritime missions in Blue Water conditions.

MDL&GRSE

Udaygiri, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), Mumbai, and Himgiri, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, showcase the nation’s growing shipbuilding prowess, as well as, the synergy between India’s premier defence shipyards.

Fastest Ship

Udaygiri also holds the distinction of being the fastest ship of her class to be delivered post-launch, a result of the modular construction methodology adopted by Indian shipyards.

In keeping with the Navy’s tradition of reviving names of illustrious predecessors, both frigates are named after earlier INS Udaygiri (F35) and INS Himgiri (F34) that served the nation with distinction for over 30 years before being decommissioned.

Milestone for WDB

Both frigates were designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB), and notably, Udaygiri is the 100th ship designed by the WDB, marking a milestone in five decades of indigenous warship design.

The ships feature modern Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plants, state of the art Integrated Platform Management System and a suite of advanced weapons and sensors developed by Indian manufacturers.

Role of MSMEs

The ships, with about 75% indigenous content, supported by hundreds of indigenous MSMEs, align with the Government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.

Both ships are the result of an industrial ecosystem spanning over 200 MSMEs, supporting approximately 4,000 direct jobs and more than 10,000 indirect jobs

The commissioning of Udaygiri and Himgiri augment the Navy’s combat readiness and reaffirm India’s resolve to achieve self-reliance in warship design and construction.

The two frigates will now join the Eastern Fleet, strengthening India’s ability to safeguard its maritime interests across the Indian Ocean Region.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi described the double-commissioning as a clear testimony to the continued progress and dynamic expansion of India’s maritime power.

He also highlighted the Indian Navy’s ability to deliver overwhelming force from the sea in the present age of uncertainties and competition, terming it as a credible deterrence against the nation’s enemies.

Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, along with other senior officers of the Navy, naval veterans and Lok Sabha Member of Parliament Mr CM Ramesh were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.

Andhra Pradesh’s minister for HRD and IT Mr Nara Lokesh also lauded the commissioning of the two warships and said “It’s a proud day for Visakhapatnam”.